CAR News

Wheelsandmore presents its tuning program for the coupe and convertible version of the exciting Alfa Romeo 8C series.

With delicate surgery the noble tuner puts the 2-seated V8 coupe in the right light and provides additional driving pleasure and extra horsepower with their high-end quality components.

Due to an ecu upgrade, combined with a hand-made exhaustsystem with remote-able exhaust valves, Wheelsandmore elicits the beautiful sportscoupe additional 30 horsepower and increases the torque around 40nm.

The Alfa Romeo 8C got a further performance improvement through the matte-black, individualized 6Sporz² ultralight forged wheels. The weight-optimized multipiece wheels are sizing 9.0×21 inches on the front axle with tires 245/30/21 and on the drive axle stately 12.5×21 inches with 345/25/21 S1Evo tires from Hankook.

A perfect look and a comfortable everyday use ensures a compression and rebound adjustable coilover suspension, which is also available for vehicles with oem Skyhook suspension. The coilover suspension is offered with a limited 5 years warranty.

The presented conversion was totally wrapped in matte white foil with a red and black Wheelsandmore design stripe. Wheelsandmore internally called their Alfa Romeo 8 C conversion “Senza-Cromo”, because all chrome mounted parts were also swathed in matte black.

Offering improved performance, efficiency and lower fuel consumption, the innovative twin dry clutch semi-automatic transmission ALFA TCT is now available to order on the five-door Alfa Giulietta hatchback.

Equipped with the next-generation ALFA TCT semi-automatic transmission and optional shift paddles behind the steering wheel, the latest Alfa Giulietta offers a benchmark in its class in terms of performance, fuel consumption and emissions. Available with either the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp petrol (International Engine of Year Award ‘Best New Engine 2010’) or the 2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp diesel engine, the ALFA TCT range increases the Giulietta’s appeal in both the fleet and consumer sectors.

The sporty credentials of the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp Giulietta with ALFA TCT transmission result in a car capable of a top speed of 135 mph and 0 to 62 mph time of 7.7 seconds. Even with this excellent performance, the fuel consumption and emissions are extraordinary low; 54.3 mpg over a combined cycle and 121 g/km of CO2 – values that make the Giulietta lowest CO2 emitting car of any petrol engine in the C segment* – and with a BIK rate of only 15%.

The values recorded in combination with the 2.0 JTDM-2 170 HP diesel engine are also outstanding: in fact, compared to the same version with manual gearbox, acceleration from 0 to 62 mph drops from 8.0 seconds to 7.9 seconds, fuel consumption (combined cycle) decreases from 60.1 mpg to 62.8 mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km (124 g/km with manual gearbox), resulting in a BIK rate of just 13%.

In terms of all-round consumer appeal, the Alfa Giulietta offers drivers the complete package; class-leading five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, competitive finance offers, three years unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty, three years AA cover and up to five years or 50,000 miles complimentary servicing. This focused consumer offering has helped the marque finish in the Top Ten of the independently conducted J.D. Power and Associates 2011 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS), and seen Alfa Romeo UK record the industry’s largest year-to-date market share increase of 55.26% in September.

Available to order now at Alfa Romeo dealerships – alongside the sporty compact Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp ALFA TCT which was launched earlier this year – the Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT and the 2.0 JTDM-2170 bhp ALFA TCT are available in Lusso and Veloce trim levels, with prices starting from £21,855 OTR.

About ALFA TCT transmission

The operation of the ALFA TCT transmission is distinguished by maximum interaction with the vehicle’s systems. To achieve the best performance on the road depending on driving conditions and on the driver’s requests, the semi-automatic transmission interacts with the braking, engine control, Alfa D.N.A. vehicle dynamic control switch, Start&Stop, steering and vehicle stability control systems.

Thanks to the speed with which the parameters are processed, the transmission can modify the speed of gear shift, manage the torque delivery on low grip roads, and it can operate completely automatically or as a manual sequential gearbox, manually managing the up and down positions of the gear lever with precise and ergonomic movements, which can be combined with optional shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Developed by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, in conceptual terms the new ALFA TCT transmission consists of two gearboxes in parallel, each with its own clutch, which allows the selection and engagement of the subsequent gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction.

The result is a driving comfort and sporty feeling far superior to those offered by conventional automatic transmissions (with torque converter), as proven by greater speed of gear shift, the possibility of selecting between manual or automatic mode, and a near-zero power loss during the gear change. In addition, the purchasing, servicing and running costs are low, while fuel consumption is reduced, thanks also to the implementation of the Start&Stop system, by up to 10% compared with a traditional automatic hydraulic transmission with torque converter.

Other notable features of the new ALFA TCT are its flexibility of application, thanks to the compact size of its components, and the fact that it is a dry twin clutch (the type of clutch that guarantees the highest degree of efficiency in terms of fuel consumption among all automatic transmissions).

If we compare dry clutches with oil bath (wet) clutches, we can safely say that the former dissipate energy only during the actual slipping phase of the gear change and on pick-up, whereas wet clutches, which always operate in an oil bath, introduce losses due to viscous friction such as those of conventional automatic transmissions, even when they are not in operation. They also require forced cooling with oil, and therefore continuous energy expenditure to drive the dedicated oil pump (absent in the case of dry clutches).

A ‘wet’ automatic transmission also requires approximately 4.8 litres more gearbox oil than the dry version, again for reasons of clutch cooling (in this way, weight is added and losses due to splashing increase). When all these effects are added together, a dry transmission is found to be approximately 6% more efficient than the corresponding wet one in terms of consumption.

ALFA GIULIETTA WITH ALFA TCT TECH SPEC
CHARACTERISTICS 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 bhp ALFA TCT 2.0 JTDM-2 170 bhp ALFA TCT
No. of cylinders, arrangement 4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm) 72 x 84 83 x 90.4
Displacement (cc) 1368 1956
Compression ratio 9.8 : 1 16.5 :1
Max. power output: bhp (kW-EC) at rpm 170 (125) 5500 170 (125) 4000
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (NORMAL mode) 230 (23.4) 2250 320 (32.5) 1500
Peak torque: Nm (kgm-EC) at rpm (DYNAMIC mode) 250 (25.4) 2500 350 (35.6) 1750
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12V)
Battery: capacity (Ah) / Generator (A) 63 / 450 72 / 600
TRANSMISSION
Drive Front
Number of gears 6 + 1R
TYRES
Standard version 205/55 R16
STEERING
Steering system Rack and pinion with electro-mechanical power steering (Dual Pinion)
Turning circle (m) 10.9
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson independent with anti-roll bar
Rear Multilink system
BRAKES – (DISCS)
Front (mm) 305
Rear (mm) 264
WEIGHTS – TANK CAPACITY
Fuel tank capacity (litres) 60
Kerb weight DIN (kg) 1305 1335
Max towable weight (kg) 1300
PERFORMANCE
Top speed mph (km/h) 135 (218)
Acceleration (driver + 30 kg): 0 to 62 mph (s) 7.7 7.9
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS#
urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 42.2 (6.7) 53.3 (5.3)
extra urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 65.7 (4.3) 70.6 (4.0)
combined cycle mpg (l/100km) 54.3 (5.2) 62.8 (4.5)
Exhaust emissions – CO2 (g/km) 121 119
Emissions Standard EURO 5

# according to 1999/100EC directive

2011 Alfa Romeo 8C Spider by Novitec

The most powerful and fastest street-legal Alfa Romeo of all time comes from NOVITEC, the world leader in tuning for the automobiles from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia. Power output of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Coupe and Spider, jumps to 600 hp / 441 kW thanks to a high-tech supercharger system. Top speed grows to 305 km/h. In addition, the tuner offers a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with 21- and 22-inch diameters and a height-adjustable sport suspension.

The limited-edition sports car is based on the technology of the Maserati GT. For this reason NOVITEC adapted a development by sister company NOVITEC TRIDENTE, which specializes in tuning the models carrying the trident emblem, to the 8C. The high-tech supercharger conversion for the 4.7-liter V8 was modified to fit into the space under the hood of the Alfa Romeo 8C.

The supercharger is driven by a cogged-tooth belt directly from the crankshaft and thus breathes more power into the eight-cylinder four-valve engine even at very low engine speeds. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.37 bar. The mechanical charging system is rounded out by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator, and by custom injectors.

Newly calibrated mapping for injection and ignition ensure a potent and harmonious power delivery and clean emissions.

Performance figures are accordingly impressive: The compressor conversion, which sells for EUR 19,900, boosts power output of the 450-hp / 331-kW stock V8 by 150 hp / 110 kW. The maximum rated power output of 600 hp / 441 kW is available at 7,300 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 588 Nm at 5,400 rpm.

This elevates driving performance to a level never before attained by a street-legal Alfa Romeo: the sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 290 km/h to 305 km/h.

The optionally available NOVITEC stainless-steel sport exhaust system for the Alfa Romeo 8C benefits more than just power yield. The integrated flap system varies the exhaust note depending on engine speed from sporty to racing-like. The exhaust system with its four tailpipes is designed to perfectly fit into the standard cutouts in the rear apron.

While the body of the 8C Coupe or Spider remains untouched, NOVITEC adds some thrilling highlights to the appearance of the two-seater with three-piece NA3 wheels. To further emphasize the wedge-shape design of the 8C, the specialists chose a staggered combination with 21-inch diameter in front and 22 inches on the rear axle. The alloy wheels feature five double spokes and are available in any desired color. In sizes 9Jx21 and 11.5Jx22 they fill out the available space in the wheel wells perfectly. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by Formula 1 supplier Pirelli in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22.

The height-adjustable NOVITEC threaded coil-over suspension is precisely calibrated to these king-sized tires. It allows each driver of the Alfa Romeo to select ride-height and damper rates to suit his or her personal taste.

Upon customer request NOVITEC also personalizes the cockpit of the 8C with exclusive appointments made from the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color.

2012 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato

The “TZ3 program” managed by Zagato to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alfa Romeo (1910-2010) ends with the delivery of the TZ3 Stradale.

The initiative started in 2009 with the manufacturing of the “one off” TZ3 Corsa which won the Villa D’Este Design Concept Award in 2010 and followed with nine (9) TZ3 Stradale.

Two different approaches for the same tribute.

The TZ3 Corsa is a track car. It is not a design exercise. It is a Neo-Classic car.
The TZ3 Stradale is a Design Exercise. It is not a race car. It is an Avant-garde car.
The TZ3 Corsa is a tribute to the Alfa Romeo and Zagato racing heritage. It is a one off.
The TZ3 Stradale is a tribute to the Alfa Romeo and Zagato street legal heritage. Just 9 examples in the world.

In total 10 collectible cars for the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo made by its most prolific contributor, both with race and road legal bodies.

The TZ3 Corsa celebrates men and machines of the Alfa Romeo Zagato racing heritage:

Scuderia Ferrari (20s and 30s)
Alfa Corse (40s and 50s)
Autodelta (60s and 70s)
Scuderia Zagato (80s and 90s)
The TZ3 Stradale celebrates the road legal heritage of Alfa Romeo Zagato coupés:

RLSS, 1500, 1750, 2300 and 2900 Zagato (20s and 30s)
6C 2500 Panoramica, 1900 SSZ and the Giulietta SVZ (40s and 50s)
SZ, 2600 SZ, Giulia TZ and Junior Z (60s and 70s)
S.Z. and R.Z. (80s and 90s)
The TZ3 Corsa is based on a mono shell carbon fibre chassis, coupled with a tubular frame and a handbeaten lightweight aluminium body. It’s equipped with a front-central V8 90° 4.2 litres engine and 6-speed sequential gearbox.

The TZ3 Stradale is based on the Viper ACR mechanical chassis with a carbon fibre body. “Bellezza necessaria” is the inspiration of this car which matches for the first time an USA power train and can represent the first American Alfa Romeo.

Following Zagato’s gentlemen-driver heritage, TZ3 Corsa has been commissioned by the Alfa Romeo Zagato collector Martin Kapp. The first TZ3 Stradale has been delivered to the US Alfa Romeo and Zagato collector (and Saratoga Automobile Museum’s board member) Eric King. The TZ3 Stradale n°2 and n°3 will be delivered in Japan and Europe.

Both TZ3 Corsa and TZ3 Stradale boast a typical Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout. This solution became famous in Italy with the “Coda Tronca” bodies which were tested by Zagato in the beginning of the 60s. They reached their apex on the Alfa Romeo TZ and TZ2.

Kamm Effect is part of the functional design approach that aims to the aerodynamic efficiency. According to this, the CX can be lowered by keeping compact volumes at the same time. The reduction of the wind resistance is assured with the Kamm Tail design, without any need of a very stretched “drop” shape of the tail.